Hegseth warns Europe, Asia on ‘free-riding’ as US Iran blockade ‘goes global’

Pete Hegseth said the United States is expanding its blockade against Iran on a global scale, asserting that maritime movement through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz will increasingly come under US oversight.Speaking to reporters alongside senior military officials, Hegseth described the campaign against Iran as “a gift to the world” and warned that the time for “free-riding” by allies was over. He emphasised that the burden of securing key energy routes should not fall solely on Washington, adding that the Hormuz chokepoint is “more Europe and Asia’s fight than the US’s”.

“Our blockade is growing and going global,” Hegseth said, adding that Iran had an opportunity to reach a “good deal” with the United States but failed to do so.
He further claimed that no vessel would be allowed to transit from the Strait of Hormuz to global markets without the permission of the US Navy, noting that 34 ships had already been turned back from the route.The remarks come amid heightened tensions in West Asia and ongoing concerns over energy supply chains, as the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical corridor for global oil and gas shipments.

Also Read: Iran defends India, mocks Trump over ‘hell-holes’ remark: ‘Kabhi aa ke dekho, phir bolna’

The briefing also followed recent diplomatic developments, including an extension of the temporary truce between Israel and Lebanon and a broader, albeit fragile, ceasefire involving Iran, as announced earlier by Donald Trump.